Institute Core Practices Groups - Faculty Inquiry

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EXERCISE #1: "I USED TO THINK.../NOW I THINK..."

Institute attendees were asked to reflect and comment on areas of concern that would foster future collaboration and support soft evaluation steps. Reflective statements were submitted by team members in response to the following question:

"I used to think...now I think" about each of the core practices (classroom assessments, classroom exchanges, and faculty inquiry)

**CLASSROOM ASSESSMENTS**

**CLASSROOM EXCHANGES**

**FACULTY INQUIRY**











Faculty Inquiry:
  1. I used to think...I didn't really understand what faculty inquiry meant in this context. Now I think...I have a clue :)
  2. I used to think...Faculty Inquiry would appeal to only a small # of faculty. Now I think...the # may be greater, I hope.
  3. I used to think...it would be hard to find time and a focus for faculty inquiry. Now I think...that time will be set aside for collaboration.
  4. I used to think...Faculty Inquiry was a cycle of research > experimentation > analysis > more research. Now I think...it is also about CATs and classroom exchange.
  5. I used to think...nothing - I didn't know what FIGs were. Now I think...FIGs sound wonderful, fun to have meaningful conversations (but may be difficult to establish correct atmosphere).
  6. I used to think...we will not get past the informal "hallway" conversations. Now I think...this can be done, and done well.
  7. I used to think...FIGs were for magical colleges. Now I think...we're going to really do it!
  8. I used to think...that Faculty Inquiry was difficult to implement in my dept. Now I think...it will be easy to slowly develop a culture of inquiry in our dept.
  9. I used to think...how do we get started? Now I think...I have some ideas and the process will evolve.
  10. I used to think...faculty inquiry was more of a discussion on a focus topic. Now I think...I understand the concept of FIGs better. I still think they would be difficult to get "all" the department on board but worth a try.
  11. I used to think...they were very valuable. Now I think...they are even more valuable!
  12. I used to think...improving my classroom practices was an independent process. Now I think...it can be a collaborative process.
  13. I used to think...I was unsure about the focus benefit of faculty inquiry. Now I think...I look forward in a positive way & realize how beneficial & inspiring they will be.
  14. I used to think...about FI as too big. Now I think...they may still be too big.
  15. I used to think...Faculty Inquiry was some nebulous activity aimed at some specific question. Now I think...it is more specific.
  16. I used to think...[blank] Now I think...I will know more after attending a FIG.
  17. I used to think...that no one in my deept was interested in FIGs. Now I think...we will see more participation by math faculty.
  18. I used to think... that it would be easy to do well, and it would generate great reflections spontaneously. Now I think...that more intention and preparation is necessary.
  19. I used to think...faculty inquiry groups needed a set focus. Now I think...part of inquiry is deciding what the question should be.
  20. I used to think...FI meant a group of faculty meeting to complain. Now I think...that FI can be a forward process to fuel meaningful transformation.
  21. I used to think...research was optional for faculty inquiry. Now I think...research is essential for faculty inquiry.
  22. I used to think...that I could ask questions and collaborate with colleagues on campus and it would be an open exchange with colleagues. Now I think...it needs to have a direct focus.
  23. I used to think...faculty inquiry was something that I as a part time instructor didn't need to be a part of. Now I think...all members of the dept need to be involved to deepen student understanding.
  24. I used to think...it'd be better to not break up faculty in smaller groups. Now I think...[blank].
  25. I used to think...the idea of faculty inquiry groups were intimidating. Now I think...I still do.
  26. I used to think...that this was just another "workshop" that was done and forgotten. Now I think...that it will be powerful and allow me to learn (be a learner).
  27. I used to think...it was hard to organize. Now I think...it will not be that hard.
  28. I used to think...I would never get my colleagues to look at student work in FIG in Fall 2010. Now I think...they plan to.
  29. I used to think..this idea might be too "pie-in-the-sky" in terms of transforming attitude. Now I think...we are getting tools that will allow us to grow & learn a lot as a department.
  30. I used to think...[blank] Now I think...I haven't really changed my ideas about FIGs. Any conversation with my colleagues is great - but focused conversations are better.
  31. I used to think...faculty inquiry groups - no idea. Now I think...FIGS are for mutual information-sharing.
  32. I used to think...that a FIG was just another department meeting. Now I think...I see the benefit in having one topic to look at thoroughly. I am excited to see what we accomplish when there is one important topic to discuss.
  33. I used to think...FIGS were often moan about behavior groups. Now I think...they can be a great learning tool.
  34. I used to think...it involves a lot of time. Now I think...it can be done on the go!